last minute advice

duffs

New member
Oct 25, 2005
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Will be leaving Minnesota (-5 below zero) on Sat. and was wondering if anybody had any last minute advice for us about Punta Cana. We will be staying a Paradisus Punta Cana and will be there for 7 days. We can't wait to get out of this cold weather, couldn't have picked a better time to go. Any input is great.

Thanks
Chad
 

Ricardo900

Silver
Jul 12, 2004
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duffs said:
Will be leaving Minnesota (-5 below zero) on Sat. and was wondering if anybody had any last minute advice for us about Punta Cana. We will be staying a Paradisus Punta Cana and will be there for 7 days. We can't wait to get out of this cold weather, couldn't have picked a better time to go. Any input is great.

Thanks
Chad
Did you go to the Travel section of DR1 yet?
http://dr1.com/travel/prepare/pack.shtml
 

jackquontee

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May 20, 2005
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Duffs, though not an expert on Punta Cana, I've been there a few times and have stayed at the Bavaro Princess each time. The fact of the matter is that there isn't much to do in PC as it is largely a resort area full of hotel compounds. However, you can set up a few day trips to ride ATV's (I did, and it was alot of fun), ride jet boats, and go snorkeling. There is an outdoor shopping area just down the street from Paradisus, and a couple of clubs (one called Areitos, I believe, and Mangu's). You can also get over to Cortecito, which is about a 15 minute ride from your hotel, though I didn't find much there. However, if you explore a bit you might do better than I did. Be sure to share your experiences with us when you return, and have a good time.
 
duffs, you picked a class resort, I guess everyone in Minnesota is rich!

Jack is correct on the clubs and Cortecito, but you can walk the beach easily to the Cortecito markets, best place to buy Domijican Rum is in the super mercado Amalia in Cortecito, right where the local Dominicano's shop.
 

PTB

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Dec 7, 2005
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1st Post

My wife and I are leaving Friday from the frozen tundra that is the Twin Cities as well. We are staying at the Melia Caribe Tropical in Punta Cana.
We cannot wait! This is our first time to the DR and hopefully not the last.

I've been reading these forums for some time now and finally registered.
There is so much helpful information on the boards.

I was wondering what to wear on the plane, since we will be departing from sub-zero temps and arriving to the tropics! I told my wife that I was going to wear something comfortable like jeans and a t-shirt with a fleece over it.
No jacket. She thought that I was over doing it. What are your thoughts?
 

Dolores1

DR1
May 3, 2000
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Remember that airplanes can be chilly. Also, nights in Punta Cana can be chilly too, by Dominican standards -- 70F! Bring at least one light jacket and at least a shawl for the lady.
 
Sep 19, 2005
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I talked with my buddy who has made several trips to that area over the last few years. he said the Paradisus and the Bavaro Princess were outstanding hotels. But the one all the way down on the south end of the beach was awfull. They got stuff stolen out of their room everyday. The place was kaos all the time, and they got sicker than they ever have their entire life on the very last day!!!!! So they dont know what caused it. It was some intestinal bug that needed to be starved to death to be rid of. They could'nt eat for 2 weeks!.....so take it for wjhats its worth. They got sick 2 years ago. He couldnt remember the name of the hotel, but did remember where it was to the other hotels they liked a lot. The bad hotel also had a casino.

good luck...bob
 

PTB

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Dec 7, 2005
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laurapasinifan said:
I talked with my buddy who has made several trips to that area over the last few years. he said the Paradisus and the Bavaro Princess were outstanding hotels. But the one all the way down on the south end of the beach was awfull. They got stuff stolen out of their room everyday. The place was kaos all the time, and they got sicker than they ever have their entire life on the very last day!!!!! So they dont know what caused it. It was some intestinal bug that needed to be starved to death to be rid of. They could'nt eat for 2 weeks!.....so take it for wjhats its worth. They got sick 2 years ago. He couldnt remember the name of the hotel, but did remember where it was to the other hotels they liked a lot. The bad hotel also had a casino.

good luck...bob

I hope it wasn't the Melia! Actually I haven't heard much on these board about this resort. At least not as much as some of the others. The reviews are like all the rest, some good, some not so good...
 
Jan 9, 2004
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Last minute advice

Duffs & PTB:

Both resorts make my top 5 in Punta Cana/Bavaro.

#1 Enjoy yourself.
#2 Dress for the climate you are heading to.
#3 Learn a little Spanish before you go.
#4 Tip early (dollar bills are fine) and try to learn the names of your room and
wait staff (you should/will be pleasantly surprised).
#5 Bring comfortable walking shoes as both resorts are fairly large.
#6 DO NOT LET CHECK IN STRESS YOU OUT. Sometimes this is the most
frustrating process at the resort (next to getting reservations at the
gourmet restaurants).
#7 ALWAYS remember Rule #1.

If you have any further questions, ask away.

Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
 

nlove88

New member
Aug 12, 2005
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Dolores said:
Remember that airplanes can be chilly. Also, nights in Punta Cana can be chilly too, by Dominican standards -- 70F! Bring at least one light jacket and at least a shawl for the lady.

YES! We changed in NYC from winter to summer clothes and we froze all the way to Santiago. Good advice.

If you are able to, take some time and get off the resort...visit local hangouts, go to local resturants, see the Dominican culture! I know many resorts will tell you its very unsafe to leave the resort area, but in my opinion...bulls*it!
 

PTB

New member
Dec 7, 2005
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playacaribe2 said:
Duffs & PTB:

Both resorts make my top 5 in Punta Cana/Bavaro.

#1 Enjoy yourself.
#2 Dress for the climate you are heading to.
#3 Learn a little Spanish before you go.
#4 Tip early (dollar bills are fine) and try to learn the names of your room and
wait staff (you should/will be pleasantly surprised).
#5 Bring comfortable walking shoes as both resorts are fairly large.
#6 DO NOT LET CHECK IN STRESS YOU OUT. Sometimes this is the most
frustrating process at the resort (next to getting reservations at the
gourmet restaurants).
#7 ALWAYS remember Rule #1.

If you have any further questions, ask away.

Respectfully,
Playacaribe2



I'll take that advise and use it.
ONE MORE DAY!!!!!!!!!
Thank you.
 

Don Juan

Living Brain Donor
Dec 5, 2003
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Minnesota, Brrrrr!! I lived there for 5 years. (Mpls).

If you are able to, take some time and get off the resort...visit local hangouts, go to local resturants, see the Dominican culture! I know many resorts will tell you its very unsafe to leave the resort area, but in my opinion...bulls*it![/QUOTE]

Yes, indeed!.... If you can arrange it, take a bus to 'old' Santo Domingo & walk around. There are beautifully preserved buildings, some dating back to the early 1500's. also many shops you can browse that sell interesting junk. But best of all is a place to just sit al-fresco and people watch while having a cold presidente beer... Enjoy!!

Disclaimer: too many locals trying to sell you their wares. Just give them a stern "NO!" that usually sends them off to the next tourist.
 

Denmay565

Member
Dec 6, 2005
109
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Great Place to Relax

I've been to Punta Cana. The airport is small but relatively new and modern. Most of Punta Cana is really the Hotels in my opinion unlike say the North Coast or Santo Domingo where the nightlife and things to do outside the hotels are more plentiful. Punta Cana is a great place to relax, wind down, enjoy the beach, and have a very peaceful and enjoyable vacation before returning to the hectic lifestyle of the States. Bring lots of US single dollars as you would be surprised at how far they can go. Tipping gets you the best of service. You'll have a great time. The people are friendly, the service great, etc. The last time we went we stayed at Secrets Excellence and it was superb (adults only). Once you enjoy Punta Cana and think about returning, try the North Coast, specifically Sosua and Cabarete. You'll love it there even more.......